Opossum and Skunk Get a Wheel!

[@wagnerelle]

Omg, her safety blanket, I'm crying

[@wagnerelle]

I would die for her

[@facesbysusanna]

Ooh yes they absolutely love and find comfort in their safety blankets, my pup is the same way, she finds comfort and security in her safety blanket 👍

[@danstiver9135]

Baby opossums have to have a strong instinct to remain attached to their mothers to survive. Most animals shed these kinds of youthful instincts and behaviors once they come of age, but animals in captivity often retain them.

[@ragnkja]

Goo Lagoon In captivity there doesn’t tend to be much reason to give up comforts like safety blankets, and they can even serve a purpose such as letting the humans use it to communicate that a new thing is safe.

[@catw5294]

Thx for providing a home to a three legged, injured opossum. It is so sad that so many people devalue these creatures. Same for the skunk. Much love and respect.

[@guardianoftheduat]

Ikr? People says opossums look creepy but honestly they look adorable

[@drkatel]

I love opossums too. They're precious and gentle.

[@wieheisstder5461]

Note: "Opossums eat up to 5000 ticks a season." Me: "Somebody please flood the world with opossums!"

[@treborironwolfe978]

Flood the world with an average bat species and they will handle the mosquitos. It is sad to me how so many of these wild garbage collectors have been given such a bad reputation.. raccoon and armadillo included. In addition, opossum are the only marsupial found in the Americas.

[@Aaron-mj9ie]

@@treborironwolfe978 Foreal, it seems like any animal that actually seems useful somehow got deemed "vermin". Heck, I prefer opossums to the animals humans actually domesticated... How many generations do you think it would take to make a new species of animal that's a domesticated offshoot of the opossum?

[@treborironwolfe978]

@@Aaron-mj9ie I would have no idea as to the possibility of opossum domestication. Seems like it must be kinda hard, considering I cannot think of even one marsupial that has truly been domesticated in all of history.

@@Aaron-mj9ie I know right I got opossum, rat snakes, garter snakes, frogs and murder of crows on my land to help with pest control in my gardens and they do a great job. Crows needed a bit training (encouragement) to leave crops alone and go for pests instead. Crows also help keep more destructive birds way as well. I even have a coyote that comes around, but we have mutual respect and understanding to avoid each other and long as he leaves me alone he is free hunt all rabbit and other vermin on my land.

[@1besieged]

Public utility companies bring in giant mowers and chop all living creatures on ground to clear land under power lines, they run over box turtles, chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, deer, possum, raccoons, butterflies, flowers, etc, make note of this, they used to use Agent Orange... SW MIchigan comment Freedom of speech & press UsA copyrighted. round up poison kills much as well, and their top dogs also have top ranks in government, so 'above the law' all above mentioned companies I suppose that is their mindset to KILL innocent creatures and PEOPLE...

[@Rithene]

They make self-groomers for cats (basically stiff brushes that you can attach to walls or furniture so the cats can rub on them) that are good for cats missing hind legs. Maybe Ophelia would like one?

[@animalwondersmontana]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@The_Vincening]

I think that skunks are the prettiest little animals. Their faces are lovely.

[@Matt-vv7fl]

The more I've learned about possums the more I love them. I feel like they have a bad rep. Skunks too. I love how much you care about all the animals in your life.

[@michellehasty1038]

Years ago I saw a lady with a rescued opossum who was educating people that an opossum killed on the road could have babies in her pouch and ever since I told my husband about it he has stopped and checked many opossums.

[@ramrot666]

Did he find any?

[@HiddenEvilStudios]

Your husband is a good man, then.

[@samvimes9510]

Skunks are absolutely precious. Last year a couple of skunks decided to start a family in my backyard, so I got to watch the babies grow up over the summer.

[@MotherOfWednesday]

I have an adorable mental image of Huckleberry waddling on that thing with a branch in tow

[@animalwondersmontana]

He'd probably try to drag the whole wheel into his pool 😆

[@ragnkja]

AnimalWonders Montana Yeah, I suppose the beaver equivalent is a swimming pool with a current.

[@klaudia711]

Nillie oh my god, they need to get Huck a pool with a wave machine/jacuzzi!

[@wagnerelle]

Ophelia is precious, I love her so much 😭

[@milkshake-380]

I agree! But it's sad that end doesn't have a back left foot :/

[@BeCurieUs]

Never seen an unangry opossum, pretty cute when they aren't freaked out!

[@treborironwolfe978]

Most marsupials tend to have this temperament.. It is a righteously necessary tactic toward larger predators (such as large cats, dogs, and humans).

[@NatsumiTakanawa]

Possums are super docile. Their “anger” is an attempt to scare off predators because possums aren’t very aggressive animals. If the scare attempt fails, they play dead.

[@karenbrown4524]

Ophelia, I know how she feels. I'm gimpy, enjoy food, and my mum passed on as well. We'll keep trying, we fall off the wheel, have a snack, then get right back on the whirring wheel of life! 🌹🌺

[@FreedomFighterEx]

Ophelia looking back at the blanket like "But my safety blanket tho. . ."

[@LouisGedo]

*Opossums Rock!*

[@parisinthe30sx]

When I moved to the USA and saw my first opossum I almost thought it was someone's escaped pet of some sort. It came right up to me begging for food. I work at a wildlife sanctuary and rehab, and we have quite a few of them, but our ambassador is named Bob and my ambassador raccoon is named Hank.

[@thetribalist6923]

What's the name of your wildlife sanctuary?

[@wizard5637]

It says in the trouble shooting section of the instructions to that wheel- Switch to a square-shaped treat to cut down on dreaded "treat roll back" when using wheel.

[@animalwondersmontana]

Lol, I did not get the memo and it was a true struggle! 😆

[@wizard5637]

@@animalwondersmontana 😁

[@pendlera2959]

@@animalwondersmontana A spoon or stick dipped in peanut butter also works as a good "bait stick".

[@ragnkja]

Fun With Hognoses & Pythons Anything less ball-shaped would definitely help.

[@birdbrain3594]

Opossum and skunk on a wheel is the wholesome content I needed today haha. 💕So cute! Thanks Animal Wonders for sharing, and caring to these cuties. :)

[@mikeg9b]

Jessi, I like how you don't force animals to do things they don't want to do.

[@derpicorn7945]

Except waking up a sleeping nocturnal skunk lol

[@maggieedna]

I would be very currious to know, which animals know their names? which dont know their name but know when youre talking to them? my guinea pigs definitely dont know their names, but they know when youre talking to them because they can recognize the pig voice.

[@YourPalKindred]

Opossums are such sweet and beautiful creatures, I'm glad there are people who care for them so much

[@wagnerelle]

Lollipop has the most beautiful tail 💖💖💖💖

[@christinasuggs9104]

How precious! I wish I could eat snacks when I’m on the treadmill too, but I probably won’t make any progress! I think they’ll be walking on that in no time with the positive reinforcements of the treats.

[@ragnkja]

Christina Suggs Most treadmills nowadays keep track of how far you walk/run, so planning some “checkpoints” where you’ll give yourself a small reward shouldn’t be impossible.

[@christinasuggs9104]

Nillie Lol I’m on only kidding but that is true!

[@DFX2KX]

@@christinasuggs9104 plus, if you like celery, you can chomp on as much of that as you want really.

[@andrineslife]

I love Ophelia with all of my heart. She is the cutest creature on earth.

[@ceceliabartemes2262]

Watching a skunk on a wheel get excited about treats and sitting in the sunshine on a cold winter day is exactly what my seasonal depression needs :)

[@Beryllahawk]

Would Chili Pepper like it? I think the foxes would enjoy exploring it but maybe not running on it, hehe... I've been intrigued by those great big wheels for a long time. It's much, much quieter than I would've thought! Ophelia has just the most charming little face though! I never thought of opossums as being particularly expressive but she sure is. She looked so concerned at first, it was precious

[@dio7339]

I actually thought the sound Mimi was making in the background was just some neighbor making noises lol

[@sweetiguess]

SAME

[@eschwarz1003]

many people write off certain animals as "undesirable" like opossums to be eradicated etc; but like much"shamed life" life, they are very important to healthy ecosystems that benefits us.

[@chegeny]

You're very kind that you cared for Ophelia and gave her loads of treats and love.

[@GhengisJohn]

Adorable Skunk and Opossum are eating snacks on the wheel and thinking "Ah'm workin' out!"

[@kristyann9912]

They are so cute! Good job! As she's handed treats and still on her blanket! Hahahaha! The skunk just goes in the bowl! Too precious!

[@a.m.7438]

You know the special needs of your animals and are so accommodating to their emotional needs as well. Love how you work.

[@jslferrell]

I grew up with a pet skunk. Lollipop reminds me so much of Hershey, except he was brown and cream. So smart and food-motivated.

[@animemusicluver1]

3:38 she's like "my blankey!"

[@greenscarab2]

Ahhhhhh, my two favorite animals in one video. Also the wheel is so important for health. I think I will buy another!!

[@Acein3055]

Thanks. Those are some cute animals. You are a good therapist and caretaker. All animals deserve respect.

[@spasticpug5209]

TWO OF THE CUTEST TYPES OF ANIMALS EVER

[@geraldhimmelspach843]

I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH THE SKUNK. It acts like my sheltie, (Ringo). Give me treat I will walk for it, then everything is just for fun.

[@MotherOfWednesday]

I am so here for this! My hamster got her new wheel in the mail today! I ordered a Chin-Sprint wheel for my mischief of rats today too.

[@americasfavoritehoarder]

Ophelia... Such a great name for a sweet little girl.

[@JPAnor]

yeeees, we asked for more opposum content and we got more

[@tahroo4262]

My cats had one of those wheels... they loved it so much they literally broke the base (cracked across the middle support). I bought them a new one that is a better quality wheel (and more expensive) that they barely use. :(

[@buyerbware25]

With my cats, the best part is trashing the toy. They have a few toys, but they mostly like stuff that I drop on the floor for them to try. They seem to enjoy it more if it feels like stealing (hunting?).

[@stellabelikiewicz1523]

I feel like this story encapsulates the nature of cats perfectly!

[@jari2018]

it could be that they dont like the now ones smell -If you still got old one you could take the outer fabric and stich in the new one -but if its about smell from the news wheels textures .. like formaldhyd ?? , are someting in the texture ( i guess maybe are unpesant ) i could be also they market the old wheel (claws/urine) and when you replaced it the competion of the wheel between the cats went away

[@jdhouse2850]

My daughter and I love your videos. It's so easy to tell how much you love these animals.

[@Techhunter_Talon]

It took a while but I now can't deny that opossums are fairly cute animals.

[@Cat-zq6iy]

This is a dream job, what a wonderful little girl she is. This channel is so wholesome and important. Thank you for your heart ❤️

[@michaelw2263]

OMG the skunk is so fluffy!!! I wish I could pet her!

[@PeachieAngelPrincess]

As someone who has recently become OBSESSED with opossums and now watch a lot of videos about them, this was such a treat 😭💕 And I adore Lollipop too!! 💕💕💕

[@PirateOfTheNorth]

Opossum’s are adorable

[@ShaudaySmith]

Lolly's greedy little treat cup grab was adorable.

[@kagehikari4281]

I hope they get to like useing the wheel! A lot of people may not realise, but these are a great tool for high energy cats like manx and bangles and savs! Cats ARE trainable. You just have to know how to work with them.

[@Ulthar_Cat]

Great video! 💜 When I was a kid, I kept a small river turtle here in the central valley of Mexico. She was about 15 cm long. I liked to get her to walk about in the house, but she always tried to get under or behind furniture, so I got her a big pet sphere. It was like a hamster sphere but about twice as big. I think they said it was for ferrets or something. Anyway she walked around in it and was happy and safe.

[@MELISSAO2592]

so the best weapon against ticks is opossums.

[@sketchandjam]

If only they could eliminate all the ticks.

[@mangodancin4512]

I love Ofelia's lip smacking it is adorable!

[@markxxx21]

The skunk is all like, "I want them all at once"

[@karenbrown4524]

Ha ha ha! 🤭 The whole bowlful, ma'am!

[@LinnersC]

I think seraphina might love running on the wheel!

[@estervanleeuwen135]

Yeah, I was thinking about the foxes too! However, I don't know if the wheel is big enough?

[@marthachampagne316]

@@estervanleeuwen135 looks like it is a 'standard' cat wheel so it should fit a fox

[@lNFINlTEx]

@@marthachampagne316 Aren't foxes bigger than cats?

[@Daniel-rd6st]

@@lNFINlTEx Depends upon the fox and cat in question :p

[@flanneryred5755]

Jessi, you were PAWS-itively put on this Earth to do this job! I have lived on farms and been around farm people and animal folks all of my life. I have never seen a better animal trainer/animal carer than you! I've seen and met even animal communicators! YOU have no need for "communication". You have ALL the communication you and the animals need! It is all non verbal but EXTREMELY effective and spot on! The biggest requirement animal trainers have is patience. When it comes to patience Jessi, your cup runneth over! When it comes to affection, empathy & love, your cup runneth over! Also, you not only serve the animals that you perform hands-on care for! Your are serving the WORLDWIDE animal community! The people that come to watch your videos, they most certainly have animals in their life. By watching your simple and very sweet training sessions, they too use these methods with their animals!! It makes me feel so wonderful knowing that those animals are benefiting from YOUR instruction! Animals and the people that love them are SO lucky to have you there! IN THEIR HOMES!! I share a lot of your videos too! With friends from ALL over the world! ANY pet owner can benefit by watching! I'm 55 and I've trained animals all of my adult life, and I learn new things with every video! Thanks for ALL you do! AND...you are SO LOVED!

[@elskabee]

Such an interesting idea! I never would have thought of it, also Ophelia is super cute!

[@KMO325]

I've seen cats use these things, but hadn't thought other animals would enjoy it. Also, she moves quite well even without the leg.

[@voiceofreason9258]

What? You got a stargate? … Luckiest opossum in the universe :-O :-D Just for fun we should send the skunk to the Asgard :->

[@DangarooWriter]

I am so proud of you, Ophelia!!! You’re doing so good!!

[@carschmn]

It’s so nice to see captive opossums that aren’t obese. So many of the ones you see on Instagram or Facebook are so fat.

[@AM-qc4qt]

I kinda would love to see a tortoise's reaction because I have one myself. I wonder if they would even care about the wheel moving a bit if there is lettuce within reach 😄🐢

[@Morpheus776]

they are to slow to use a wheel

[@IonIsFalling7217]

They’re both so stinking adorable 😍 😭

[@mvuanyeusi]

oh look at that little baby she’s so cute i’m going to cry

[@padrehousecat]

Those are some seriously cute critters

[@ItsPigs]

Such snouts!

[@thomaspalmer8059]

I have not been appreciating my local opossums fully, 5000 ticks each is fabulous!

[@lucypeters9476]

This is so cool! I would love an update later to see if they like using it on their own without the treats.

[@flanneryred5755]

Oh my goodness! I am SO relieved that y'all were thoughtful to post which was the "Human/Host"! That CAN be confusing! LMAO! JK

[@FlyKiwi]

Go, Lollipop, go! I'm still not super enthusiastic about NA opossums but it's fun watching Ophelia explore.

[@trilobite-knight7746]

This is so calming. I relate to Ophelia

[@renzokukenleneyoyo522]

Love opossums and that skunk really looks lovely too

[@SuperLoops]

aww the poor little upossom she is so sweet. dont some ppl think theyre bad animals? they probably wouldnt bother to rescue one so its nice that even tho she doesnt have a leg she gets to have a good life

[@chrispbacon955]

You guys are the best. Caring for animals is the greatest calling. Top Mark's Animalwonders!💖🐼🦘👍😎🐨🐈🐯

[@mMeFlora]

they both did so well ;_;

[@kittybeans8192]

That looks oddly fun, I wanna run on the wheel too!

[@hotaruishere2133]

I absolutely adore opossums. It makes me so sad and angry that people think they're gross and filthy little animals. They're SO FREAKING CUTE LOOK AT HER TINY NOSE AND MOUTH AND SHINY LITTLE EYES AND ROUND SQUATTY BODY and I can't handle the way they eat!!!! it's so freaking precious!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭💖💖💖💖💖💝💝💝💝💝💘💘💘💘

[@DreamyDuskywing]

Would Chili Pepper like the wheel? I am besotted by Lollipop, she is such a beautiful animal. Living in the UK means I have no idea (and no wish to learn!) what skunk spray smells like so I have no bias against skunks. Ophelia is a sweetie. I love seeing her wrap her tail around your wrist

[@LinnersC]

If you are a bit curious about the smell: You might have smelled someone smoking marijuana before. Some marijuana strains are described as 'skunky' and that is because the smell of it being smoked is quite similar to a skunk. Living in Canada where recreational marijuana is legal and where there are skunks, sometimes it's hard to tell if there is a skunk wandering the neighbourhood, or if the neighbours are just lighting up haha. Skunk odor is quite light if they are just wandering around, so that is when you have trouble smelling the difference. If a skunk sprays you have no doubt in your mind because the smell is extremely overpowering.

[@hotaruishere2133]

Oh, they don't have skunks in the UK? That's surprising! They don't smell great. For me, they smell like a mix of stinky armpits, vomit, and mold. Sorry to be so vulgar, but that's kinda how it is 😂😂😂

[@klg9549]

Wow! Lollipop looks incredibly soft!

[@rintuono]

AAAHHH I love her so much!! And I'm so happy to see that she is in a nice and loving environment ❤

[@Kel-j8k]

I never understood why people hate opposums! Ophelia is so adorable 💕 I'm so happy she has a loving home

[@leighanne6364]

What does a skunk's fur feel like? Is it soft like cats or course? Thank you for caring for these beautiful animals. Food motivation works with me too.

[@iloveamerica1966]

Opossum and Skunk got a wheel! Now they just want to squeal. Riding all day, animals at play Imagine how tired they must feel!

[@ButteredBiscuits35]

I used to watch you when I was little this was my favorite video. You guys are my childhood ♥️

[@sullicait]

LOVE the “pop-up video” style facts. More, more! ♥️

[@jenni8200]

Her little chompy sounds are so cute

[@malenbkiy]

so adorable lollipop and ophelia are really good thank you for keeping them safe :):):):):)

[@DragonNightArt]

I'd love to see some silly animals try it! Like a parrot or a turtle. It would be fun to see a bunch of unusual animals try it, even if it's not that useful for them.

[@bigspoon7984]

Ophelia is beautiful. I have a 3 legged cat - and yes the ear scratch is a daily must. LP maybe a track star someday.

[@gunbunny2003]

If I were a skunk and you woke me up and put me right on a treadmill, treat or no treat, you're getting sprayed. lol On a side note, I love having opossums in my yard, my cats and dogs hardly ever have a tick on them. Last summer I only found 2 ticks; 1 on a dog and 1on a cat. I started using lemon grass tea for myself to ward off the bugs and I checked with my vet to see if I could do the same for my pets. He didn't see a problem with it, so I put the used tea bags in a bag made from pantyhose and put it in their water bowl (6 bags per 10 gallons). Last year my pets had no fleas or knats bothering them and they really liked the weak tea. Check with your vet before doing this as the tea which is herbal, not black or green, might affect your pets differently from mine due to illness or medications. The tea I use is lemon grass with ginseng. I'm really impressed by what it has done for my pets and how it makes them feel. On a side note, you can make a spray out of the lemon grass tea to use as a non toxic mosquito repellant for yourself and your pets. Horse flies and flies in general seem to dislike it also.

[@patriciajackson2565]

"Food motivation helps a lot." Amen, sister!!

[@cm374787]

As an Australian, whenever I hear or read "Opossum" I can't help but think they must be a possum's Irish cousin "O'Possum"

[@rebeccalucas6063]

She is just too precious!😍

[@michellehasty1038]

Our cat Cleocatra also needs help scratching her itches on the left side of her head and neck because her back left leg doesn't work! She was hit by a car as a kitten and we found her probably seconds after it happened. The leg never needed to be amputated but it is completely severed from the nerves so she has no feeling and cannot use it at all. She gets around by using her right leg to scoot her bum and she can move quite fast! And she can jump/pull herself up on furniture and stuff. It's amazing how animals can adapt to overcome their limitations.

[@mangodancin4512]

Lollipop is good and does not stink because she does not spray!

[@themaddiemads]

My cat was very alarmed by the sound of Mimi in the background...although he wasn't exactly alone in that...:p Also, watching you stabilize Ophelia by holding her tail was so cool!

[@caitojones3140]

Opossums make much more sense as pets than dogs or cats (other than the short life expectancy.) The wild possums here are friendlier than most domestic cats, or even dogs.

[@animemusicluver1]

Random fun fact: There's an opossum who lives behind our shed. My dad named him Darryl and we had to rescue him once because he got stuck at the bottom of our dumpster.

[@eliotdaoust3765]

Tell lolipop that i m super proud of her! She was verry impressive! ❤

[@flanneryred5755]

Ophelia! Paw-fect name! And...speaking of paws! I think everyone will agree with me when I say... There is just nothing better, nothing cuter than an opossum's TOES!!

[@puppies.and.pumpkin]

Apparently, opossums are alot bigger than I realized.

[@HayTatsuko]

The ones I've seen in the wild here in Alabama are comparable to housecats in length and height. They also aren't usually nearly as heavy as they look -- about 4-7 pounds, depending on sex. They are also very slow -- they can power-waddle at a top speed of about 4 MPH (~7 km/h). There's little wonder to me why they choose to employ histrionics when threatened, either in presenting their gnarly, snarly threat displays or in feigning death.

[@pencilfriendpaperscribbler6032]

J.R. Caldoon Power-waddle and histrionics, two of my favourite techniques ✔️✔️